Light of the World

Sometimes, I watch the news or read through current events on X (Twitter), and it makes me want to retreat. There is so much evil happening daily. Every minute of the day, someone is experiencing pain or suffering. Christians and non-believers alike are divided and angry, constantly tearing each other down. It can feel like there is truly no hope in the world.

As a follower of Christ, I find comfort in knowing there is hope in Jesus. One of the most encouraging verses to me is Revelation 21:4. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What a beautiful reassurance that God has better for us beyond this life. One day, we won’t have to live in constant fear or pain.

But what should we do right now, in the waiting? I have jokingly told people that I would love to just throw my phone away and go live off the grid somewhere in a peaceful cabin in the mountains. Doesn’t that sound like a dream some days?

But, in reality, what good would I be doing for the Kingdom if I isolated myself in a bubble of false peace and never interacted with anyone else? Even without isolating, I think sometimes we create Christian “bubbles” that we don’t want to leave. We go to school/work, church, home, and repeat, and the only people we interact with are fellow Christians. Having a Christian community is necessary, but we also have to find a balance. There are people out there who need to be touched by the love of Jesus, and we just so happen to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to be a light in this dark world!

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

So, what good deeds can you do that will bring praise to God? Some people may be uncomfortable with this question because, on the surface, it could appear to point to a works-based salvation. That is not the intention at all. We don’t carry out good works to earn God’s love. We perform these good works because of our love for Him.

I want to encourage you to be bold for God! Start a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store. Share your testimony with someone, in person or even on social media. Have lunch with someone at work or school who doesn’t know God.

Lastly, I want to leave you with this verse. Our lives may not always be easy, but they are always purposeful. God has plans and wants to use you to carry them out.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)